Freight answer · reviewed August 2026
Should I use actual weight or dimensional weight for shipping?
Compare scale weight and cube weight per parcel and identify the packaging change that can actually lower a billable result.
Use both. Actual weight comes from the packed parcel on a scale; dimensional weight comes from finished outside cube divided by the service divisor. The service rule commonly starts with the larger eligible result, then applies its rounding and minimums.
Calculate it
Compare Actual vs Dimensional Weight
Replace the example with your finished package, pallet, or cargo details.
Enter the package once
Updates liveUse the finished outside dimensions and scale weight. We compare FedEx, UPS Daily, UPS Retail, USPS and DHL automatically—no divisor knowledge required.
What happens next: each carrier row first applies that carrier's dimension rule, then calculates DIM weight, checks whether DIM applies, compares it with scale weight, and rounds the likely billable weight.
Add parcel count or a contract divisorOptional
Before using the result
Check these four items.
- Record actual packed weight and outside dimensions for every package type.
- Calculate dimensional weight with the exact service divisor and units.
- Find the break-even cube where dimensional weight equals scale weight.
- Test a smaller package only if damage, labour, and material costs remain acceptable.